NEWARK, NJ, January 24, 2003 C Consistent with its “Back to Basics” approach to enhance customer service, NJ TRANSIT has designated Greenwood Lake, NY, as the pick-up and drop off point during poor weather conditions for customers who use the No. 196 and No. 197 bus routes north of West Milford, following customer requests. The contingency plan will only be implemented when roads are impassable due to snow or icing conditions.

“I would like to thank NJ TRANSIT and the New York State Department of Transportation for working with us to establish a contingency plan that brings many New York commuters closer to their homes,” Greenwood Lake Mayor William Morris said. “We’re pleased that NJ TRANSIT has designated Greenwood Lake as the beginning and end point for bus service during adverse weather conditions, and we will work closely with the Corporation to keep commuters informed about travel alternatives during inclement weather.”

“NJ TRANSIT has been responsive to improving their emergency procedures and should be congratulated,” Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton said. “Our joint efforts will continue to ensure the roads stay open and NJ TRANSIT reaches Warwick at all times.”

“This is a great example of what can happen when NJ TRANSIT partners with communities it serves to bring about positive change,”said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. “The commitment between Greenwood Lake and Warwick, New York and the New York Department of Transportation will help get our customers closer to their final destinations.”

The previous weather contingency plan forced bus service to begin and end at the West Milford park-and-ride. This site had been proven the most reliable area to reach during inclement weather. Now with the help of Greenwood Lake, Warwick and the New York Department of Transportation, all will coordinate efforts to clear Route 210 making it passable for NJ TRANSIT buses.

Greenwood Lake’s Municipal Building will serve as the beginning and ending point for the No. 196 and No. 197 bus routes. When weather forecasts for potential storms and other disruptive weather conditions are broadcast, riders should make arrangements to travel to Greenwood Lake.

If conditions are deemed questionable or poor, all No. 196 buses will be rerouted off Skyline Drive and will follow the normal snow route to Warwick.

If Mt. Peter is closed or deemed unsafe, buses will terminate at Greenwood Lake. If termination is necessary, riders will be able to go inside Greenwood Lake’s Municipal Building for shelter until they can make arrangements to be picked up.

During inclement weather, a hotline has been established specifically for riders of the No. 196 and No. 197 bus routes. Customers can call NJ TRANSIT’s hotline at (201) 612-1162 to receive updated service information and to determine if the weather contingency plan is in effect. Customers can also visit NJ TRANSIT’s website www.njtransit.com for up-to-date information.

Commuters traveling from Warwick can call Greenwood Lake for parking instructions at (845) 477-9215, when the contingency plan is in effect.

NJ TRANSIT will monitor conditions on Skyline Drive and Mt. Peter when adverse conditions are forecasted. The No. 196 and No. 197 bus routes will only be rerouted when conditions at these locations are deemed questionable or poor.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing Bus, rail and light rail services for 752,600 daily trips on 238 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 160 rail stations, 28 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.